Carols in the (not too) bleak midwinter . . .
St Chad’s annual carol service, traditionally Nine Lessons and Carols, is normally much anticipated and well-attended.
The Christmas carol service on December 20, however, was totally different due to the Covid restrictions but it was equally well attended and, in chilly but not bleak weather — it was bright and stayed dry — gave about 100 socially-distanced people on Pattingham Playing Fields a really positive beginning to the festive season.
It was, however, somewhat a tour de force for the vicar, the Rev Preb Maureen Hobbs, who coped well in leading the “congregation” through the Christmas story — with particular reference to the gathered children — prayers and, unaccompanied by music, began the singing of the carols.
(taken from the article which appeared in the January 2021 Parish News magazine.) Photography by Mike Moss